Introducing an Absolute Godsend for Making the Most of Your Closet Space

As a busy housewife and mother of three, I can honestly say that if there’s one thing I feel like I could use more of, it’s closet space. However, it’s one thing to wish the closets in your house would magically double in size and another to actually pay for the household renovations necessary to make that happen. That’s why I’m glad there are such things as closet organizers. The right one can help you maximize even the smallest and most inefficient closet space, allowing you to get twice as much out of it and keep everything in order to boot.

Deciding what model organizer I wanted for my closets wasn’t easy, because there are literally hundreds of different options out there. However, I eventually settled on the Rubbermaid Configurations deluxe custom kit and I’m really glad I did. It’s not only adjustable and flexible enough to fit any one of my home’s closets, but it’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and attractive as well.

What’s the Low-Down on This Product?

Since I know many of you reading this like to do your shopping online, I thought it might help to give you a little heads up in regards to exactly what you can expect from this product out of the box. The following is a quick briefing on the major features.

• A customizability function that allows the organizer to fit any closet from 4 to 8 feet.
• 10 feet of hang space and 22 feet of sturdy shelving as well.
• Tough finish that is completely rust –proof. It won’t chip, crack, or weaken either.
• All shelves are fully adjustable and expandable, allowing you to gain full control over your closet space once and for all.
• A lifetime warranty so you’re covered no matter what happens to your organizer.

Full Closet Organization Made Easy as Pie

The main reason I decided on the Rubbermaid Configurations closet system was the way it promises complete and total customizability. I wanted something that could fit as easily in my youngest daughter’s small closet as it can in my own 8-foot closet in my bedroom. I also wanted the type of system that can be adjusted and readjusted as frequently as necessary to accommodate my family’s changing needs. What’s more, I wanted all of this without having to buy a lot of fancy extras. This particular line of closet organizers seemed perfect and I wasn’t disappointed.

Thanks to the way this organizer is built around telescoping rods and fully expandable shelves, actually customizing everything to my liking was nearly as simple as dreaming up the configuration I wanted was. I didn’t have to cut anything and I didn’t need any special tools. Absolutely everything I needed was already included.

As Many Uses as There Are Configurations

The first unit I purchased worked out so well that I actually wound up purchasing multiple units. The one in my teenage daughter’s closet was designed to hold and organize her growing collection of shoes. I created a really useful double-hang section for my own closet to help arrange my matching outfits. I even added an organizer to the closet in the kids’ playroom and used it to organize multiple boxes of toys. It holds heavier items just as easily as it does pants and skirts without any trouble at all.

Actually, now I’m thinking about getting even more units to help me organize my pantry. I might even get one for my husband and install it in the garage. He likes to work on his car on the weekends and has been wishing he had a better way to organize all his tools. I think this organizer would really do the trick quite nicely.

What I Really Liked About This Product

• It was easy to put together. Really, I’m not a patient person and I don’t consider putting kits like this together to be my forte. However, this was honestly very simple to assemble. Anyone could do it!
• It’s affordable. I’ve seen similar closet organizers offered for much higher prices, but with three growing children to feed, we really watch out budget closely. This set was a great value for the price and I was thrilled that it was affordable enough to enable me to buy multiple units.
• It really follows through on its promises of adjustability and flexibility. I put this system to work in a number of different ways and I never hit the wall once. Whatever I needed it to do, I could make it happen. I didn’t feel limited by this product in any way.
• It’s durable. The finish really holds up to abuse over time and doesn’t flake or rust, so you don’t have to worry about buying this only to have it fall apart a month later. And if for some reason it does? It comes with a lifetime guarantee!

What I Didn’t Like as Much

• If I’m going to split hairs, I’d say that I would have liked it if the shelves were at least a little bit deeper. Even just a couple of inches would have been terrific and made storing items like folded blankets and linens much easier and simpler.
• I would have loved to see a couple of other additional features – maybe some hanging baskets for sundry items – but that’s really more of a suggestion rather than a specific complaint.
• I would have enjoyed a few choices as far as color goes – especially to help jazz up the kids’ closets.

My Overall Assessment

All things considered, I’d have a very hard time really complaining about this system. It’s affordable, it’s flexible, it’s easy to assemble, and it’s reliable. In fact, I’ve had such good and consistent luck with these that I don’t plan on going with anything else in the future. I just don’t see how any other closet system could be better than the Rubbermaid Configurations set-up. These are the perfect solution for just about any issue you’d run into with closet space and you will be surprised at how well it helps you make the most of yours. I feel completely comfortable recommending this product to anyone and everyone in the market for closet organizers for that reason.

Where Can You Buy the Rubbermaid Configurations?

You can buy this Rubbermaid Configurations from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Rubbermaid Configurations?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Introducing Reliable, Space-Saving Garage Storage Without the Hassle

When my wife first told me she’d really like a home art studio where she could have plenty of space and quiet for working on her paintings, her sculptures, and her pottery, I immediately got the idea of turning our garage into the perfect personal area for her. Finding space in the attic for the majority of the items we already had stored in there was no problem.

However, I knew I’d still have to find some decent garage storage equipment in order to make it everything she wanted it to be. It had to be effective enough for storing all of her art supplies, but also accessible enough for her to be able to easily bring the items out for use whenever she needed. Plus, I wanted it to be aesthetically pleasing enough not to ruin the overall vibe of the space.

I thought about installing some garage cabinets, but all of the options in that arena were not only too expensive, but too bulky. I also looked into a number of other garage storage ideas, but none of them seemed right for what I had in mind. Then I found the cable-lifted garage storage rack from Racor and let me tell you. It’s really been a godsend! Not only was it able to offer effective, attractive storage for all of my wife’s art things, but since it hangs from the ceiling, it really helped me maximize the limited space in the garage as well. Now she has all the space she needs for working and moving around comfortably.

What Features Do You Get With This Product?

I know I’m far from the only person who likes to do my shopping online these days, even for garage storage equipment, so I know how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting right off the bat. The following are the major features of this particular garage storage rack.

• The Racor garage storage rack is built to handle heavy-duty lifting and can accommodate items that weight up to 250 pounds. Heavy-duty, steel support beams and tough, good-quality materials make for many years of reliability.
• Unit is operated by way of a convenient pulley system that makes it a snap to raise and lower – perfect for storing items you actually want to be able to get to now and then!
• Durable, easy to operate safety lock ensures safe use and peace of mind.
• Tough-as-nails 4×4 platform offers you up to 16 square feet of extra storage space for your garage.

Easy to Assemble and Easy to Operate

The Racor garage storage rack came complete with all the hardware I needed already included. With the help of my handy toolbox, it was a snap to put together. (If you don’t already have a toolbox, you should be aware that you will need an adjustable wrench, a cordless drill, a Phillips screwdriver, and a socket wrench in order to install this.) It weighed about 74 pounds or so in the box. I didn’t have any trouble moving it, but smaller folks may want to enlist the help of a friend.

Thankfully it’s as easy for my wife to operate as it was for me to put together. She’s able to use the pulley mechanism and winding crank to lower the rack, get what she needs out of the boxes on it, and then raise it back up out of the way. Despite the fact that she’s very petite, she’s able to do this with absolute ease, so this device should be a snap for anyone to use.

Durable and Safe for Maximum Reliability

I was really impressed with how efficiently this garage storage rack handles even heavy loads. The steel beams and cables that support it are exceptionally tough, as is the platform that actually holds the items. I really liked the idea of the safety lock as well, so I can truly allow my wife to use this without worrying about whether or not it’s safe.

She, of course, uses her racks to store pottery supplies, extra easels, and sculpting tools, but I have buddies who use it to store items like lawn mowers or snow blowers in the off season. Others store large trunks full of clothes and keepsakes. Whatever you’re looking to store, the Racor cable-lifted storage rack represents a wonderful solution.

Make the Most Out of Your Garage Space

Unless you’re lucky enough to have an unusually large garage, space is no doubt valuable to you no matter what you use it for. Traditional garage cabinets and shelves all work just fine, but they can make for a lot of unnecessary clutter. A cable-lifted rack really takes things to the next level by getting your items off the ground and out of the way to better help you maximize your square footage. It’s such a simple idea, but it’s also the sort of idea that’s so effective you can’t believe you never thought of before. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive for what you get out of it, making it a wonderful value! How can you beat that?

What We Loved About This Rack

• The sheer amount of extra space we actually got from even one unit was incredible. The storage platform offers you a full 16 square feet of space. That’s 16 feet of floor space that won’t be taken up by your items and can be used for other things.
• The safety lock is really strong and it’s easy to operate. All you do is use the winding crank to engage the lock once the platform is raised to its topmost position. An integrated hook makes it simple to disengage the lock and lower the platform for use.
• It’s honestly really easy to operate. I knew that if it was too complicated, my wife wouldn’t actually use it, but it’s just so simple. She uses it all the time. In fact, she’s already been dropping hints about wanting another one so she can take up marble sculpting and have somewhere to store the supplies for that, too.

What We Didn’t Love So Much

• It was easy for me to put this together, but I imagine it might present a challenge for someone who doesn’t have the right tools in hand from the get-go.
• Most of the parts were good quality, but I wasn’t especially impressed with the lag bolts. If I build a second device for my wife, I will probably replace the ones in the kit with heavier duty ones from the hardware store.
• It could be a challenge to install this yourself because of the awkwardness of some of the parts. You might want to have a buddy or two over to help you out. I understand that this may be a check in the minus column for die-hard do-it-yourselfers.

My Overall Assessment

No, this garage storage unit isn’t perfect, but it was pretty close to it in my opinion. It also very much exceeded both my expectations and my wife’s as far as ease of use and overall efficiency go. In fact, it’s been working out so well that three of my neighbors have already asked where I bought it and put in orders for racks of their own! No matter what you use your garage for – a storage space, an office area, a rec room, or anything else – the Racor cable-lifted rack is a wonderful space saver and a very reliable piece of garage storage equipment.

Where Can You Buy the Racor Cable-Lifted Storage Rack?

You can buy this Racor Cable-Lifted Storage Rack from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Racor Cable-Lifted Storage Rack?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Introducing a Quality Car Seat Your Child Can Grow With

As a mother, I naturally want only the very best for my baby daughter – the most nutritious food, the most durable clothes, and the best medical care money can buy. I also want only baby accessories that I can really trust and any mother can tell you that one of the most important accessories you’ll ever buy is a car seat. The right car seat will not only be safe, but comfortable for your child to ride in and durable to boot. Graco car seats are without a doubt the best money can buy, but up until now, even Graco hasn’t produced a car seat that’s as flexible as most parents would really like.

Enter the Nautilus 3-in-1 from Graco Snugride! It’s actually a convertible car seat that your child can grow with over the years. That means not having to spend a fortune on a series of car seats instead of just one. With a harness capable of accommodating children up to 65 pounds in weight and a backless booster seat that can hold children up to 100 pounds, this is truly a car seat that earns the right to be referred to as “versatile”.

What Features Do You Get With This Product?

• This car seat meets or exceeds all US safety standards. These include Compliance Standard FMVSS 213. It actually meets double the standard in regards to the New Car Assessment Program’s crash force program.
• Plenty of features for your child’s comfort including adjustable head support, cushioned seat, and generous armrests.
• Convenient cup holder and side storage compartment for a cup, snacks, toys, or anything else your child may want to keep close.
• Extended 5-point harness that can accommodate a child over 1 year of age ranging in weight from 20-65 pounds.
• Convertible feature that transitions to a high-back booster and a backless booster as your child continues to grow.
• System is capable of accommodating a child up to 100 pounds in weight.

Why Buy Several Graco Car Seats When You Can Buy Just One?

When I had my son years ago, I had to spend a fortune on car seats as he grew. It seemed as if everything on the market then was built to accommodate a very small size and weight range, making it necessary to buy a new car seat every time Billy grew a little more. What a relief it was to find the Nautilus 3-in-1 for my daughter! This car seat isn’t just something she can use now as a toddler. This car seat will actually convert and grow with her, eliminating the need to buy a whole new system every couple of years. Not only does that save me money, but it’s better for her as well. She gets attached to her things, so it will be nice for her not to have to get used to a completely new seat every time she gets a little bigger.

Comfort and Safety: The Best of Both Worlds!

One of the things I’ve always liked best about Graco car seats is the way they don’t cut corners in any category and the Nautilus 3-in-1 is no exception. My daughter is extremely picky about things like car seats and chairs, so it’s imperative that a seat for her be comfortable enough. She loves the Graco Nautilus to the point where she even tolerates long car trips with ease. You’ve got to love the side compartment as well. I can use it to store crackers for her, toys, or anything else she’d like to have nearby.

Then there’s how safe these car seats are. This particular one doesn’t just meet American safety standards. It exceeds them in many cases. Like any good parent, I honestly feel like there’s no such thing as “too safe” when it comes to my children, so I appreciate the fact that Graco and I are on the same page. I feel totally comfortable trusting my daughter’s life to the Nautilus and I don’t make statements like that lightly at all.

What I Love About This Product

• The flexibility was really the selling point here. The convertible feature that allows a child’s car seat to grow with them is simply a godsend.
• The safety factor is off the charts. Graco goes above and beyond here to offer parents a safe, reliable car seat they can trust.
• Incredible construction and a tough steel frame make this car seat durable enough to actually stand the test of time.
• It’s easy to adjust and install. Believe me, I’m terrible with things like that, so if I can get this car seat ready to go, anyone can!

What I Didn’t Like as Much

• I personally would have preferred a wider range of colors to choose from, but really. I’m hardly complaining. The neutral color this comes in is plenty attractive. It just would have been nice to select something with a little more flare.
• The trigger release for the harness sometimes sticks, but this is a minor issue. It could certainly be an anomaly in the particular car seat I wound up with.
• I would personally have liked a tad more adjustability when it came to the crotch strap, but overall the straps fit great and were very adjustable.

My Overall Assessment

Generally speaking, this is an excellent car seat and I honestly can find little to complain about with it. It’s safe, it’s durable, and it’s convenient. I love knowing that I will be able to use this seat for my daughter until she’s 10 years old or so and will never have to buy another one. Plus, she loves it and if it’s comfortable enough to suit her, I honestly believe that any child would love it. Really, I have no qualms about whole-heartedly recommending this product to any parent, no matter how discriminating. It’s a terrific value and is truly the ultimate in Graco car seats… period.

Where Can You Buy the Nautilus 3-in-1 Graco Car Seats?

You can buy this Nautilus 3-in-1 Graco Car Seats from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Nautilus 3-in-1 Graco Car Seats?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Baby Strollers That Really Break the Mold

The right baby strollers are certainly hard to find. That’s something no mother really needs to be told. However, knowing you need a stellar travel system for your little one and actually finding one that has everything you’re looking for at a reasonable price are two completely different animals. You want something useful and flexible. You want it to be lightweight and durable. However, you didn’t lose your sense of style just because you had a baby either, so naturally you want it to have a little flare as well. It’s tough finding all of those things in one line of baby equipment and most of us have no idea where to look!

At least that was the predicament I was in when I first had my son. His first stroller was a hand-me-down from one of my friends who had had a baby a few years prior and it really just didn’t get the job done. It was old, it was heavy, it didn’t really fit with the other accessories I had been given for my son at my baby shower, and… well… it really wasn’t that attractive, to be honest. Then I received the Graco Alano Snugride Travel System as a birthday gift from my mother and I found out how handy the right stroller system can really be! It was everything my son and I needed and then some.

What Features Do You Get With This Product?

What I honestly liked the most about this stroller is the same thing I really enjoy about Graco baby products in general. It’s packed with features designed to make traveling with a baby as easy and simple as possible.

• Durable elliptical tubing that really stands up to rough handling, which – let’s face it – sometimes can’t be avoided when we’re talking about getting around with a baby in tow.
• Folding mechanism designed to be operated not only one-handed, but also from a standing position.
• Handy drop-down storage basket for holding baby accessories or anything else you need to find a convenient place for.
• Parent’s tray complete with cup holders.
• Lockable front swivel wheels with a suspension feature for a smoother ride at all times.
• Three separate pieces that compliment and are compatible with one another – stroller, car seat, and a stay-in-car base.

Everything You Need in One Convenient Package

What I really loved about the Graco baby strollers in this line is the way they’re really more than just strollers. They’re complete convertible travel systems that really make getting around with my son a lot easier and each piece is of a terrific quality level for the price. I didn’t just get a stroller with this set. I got a stroller, a deluxe car seat, and a sturdy car seat base. All the pieces coordinate and are compatible with one another, which was just terrific. There was honestly nothing else I needed to buy to go with this. Very convenient not to have to go hunting around for the car seat and accessories after I’d managed to get the baby stroller.

Tons of Convenient Features I Never Knew I Needed

The people behind these baby strollers really do know what parents need and will appreciate… possibly even better than the parents themselves do! I love the parent’s tray with the cup holders, for instance. Before I got pregnant, I had this little morning ritual with one of my girlfriends where we’d meet for Starbucks and then take a walk together in the park while we enjoyed our coffee. Now we have gotten back in the habit of doing that again! We just pop our Starbucks into the cup holders and go for our walks with my son now.

I love the drop-down storage basket as well. It’s come in very handy when I’m at the mall with this stroller and need a convenient place to stow a shopping bag while I steer. Graco even thought of the way we mothers are always in a hurry and short at least one hand when it comes time to fold our baby strollers up. I can easily collapse this one one-handed and standing, which has come in handy more than once so far. This travel set is really built to last, too. It’s sure taken its share of dings and mishaps since I got it and it’s still as good as new.

And Don’t Forget That It’s Stylish!

I worked in the fashion industry before I became a mom, so I’ve always known that I’d never be the kind of mother who doesn’t care about style. A staggering number of the baby strollers I see on the streets are so lackluster and boring, but not the Graco strollers! They’re not just durable. They’re streamlined and smooth-looking. They come in eye-catching colors and patterns that I feel really suit my style and get lots of attention. In fact, it’s rare that I take my son anywhere in this stroller and don’t get a million compliments on it!

What I Liked About This Stroller

• It was easy to set up – much easier than I ever would have anticipated in my wildest dreams, actually. It only took me about 15 minutes or so before it was ready for action.
• It’s durable. I’ll admit that my son and I can really abuse his baby equipment, but this travel set is none the worse for wear for that.
• The convenient features, especially the drop-down basket and parent’s tray.
• It’s good-looking – something a stylish new mother can feel proud to be seen with.

What I Didn’t Like As Well

• The carrier is useful only up to 22 pounds. I would have liked a higher weight limit, to be totally honest.
• I thought the adjustable straps could have been a little easier to work with. These aren’t impossible by any means, but they took a little more fiddling and figuring out than I would have preferred.
• I didn’t feel the sun visor gave as much protection from the sun as it should have, but that could just be my perception.

My Overall Impression of This Product

While there were certainly a couple of features with these baby strollers that I felt could use a touch of improvement, I really don’t feel I have much cause for complaint. Over all, I am very happy with this travel set and recommend it to any mother who is looking for durable, attractive baby travel gear that won’t break the bank and is functional to boot. The reviews I read about this product and this company are really right on. Graco strollers are the number one baby strollers for a reason!

Where Can You Buy the Graco Dynamo Lite Travel System?

You can buy this Graco Dynamo Lite Travel System from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Graco Dynamo Lite Travel System?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Choosing dehumidifiers for home that perform well and go the distance can be challenging, but having the right information before you shop can help make the process much easier. Consumer dehumidifier reviews and reliable dehumidifiers ratings alike list the Frigidaire 70-pint dehumidifier as the leader of the pack! Find out why it’s the number one choice across the board.

Introducing an Ideal Way to Moderate Your Indoor Environment

Making the decision to look into purchasing my own dehumidifiers for home literally changed my life. As someone who has suffered from severe allergies and asthma since childhood, I’d pretty much just gotten used to not really feeling well or being able to breathe properly a long time ago. However, when I became a mom and saw that my two children had apparently inherited my predisposition for respiratory problems, I knew I had to take action and really get on the ball when it came to making the air in my home safe and comfortable for them to breathe.

After doing a little research on the subject of what to look for in a good dehumidifier, checking out various dehumidifiers ratings, and reading what must have been a hundred different dehumidifier reviews, I found the 70-pint dehumidifier from Frigidaire. The following is my personal assessment of the product as a consumer, a mom and long-time respiratory ailment sufferer.

What Features Do You Get With This Product?

I shop online and by catalog quite a lot, so I know how important it is to know beforehand what you can expect to find out of the box when it comes to purchasing something like decent dehumidifiers for a home. The following are the product’s primary features.

• It comes complete with a 6-foot power cord to make finding a place for your dehumidifier a snap.
• An anti-microbial filter that helps eliminate harmful bacteria, germs and allergens from the air in your home.
• Ability to completely fine-tune the humidity level in the room where the dehumidifier is located.
• It’s 115 volts; 765 cool watts as far as power level. It’s also certified by Energy Star – a perfect solution for those keeping an eye on their energy bill or looking to do their part to preserve the environment.

Compact and Convenient for Ease of Use

The unit itself weighs about 44 pounds and measures 17.75 x 15.3 x 25 inches. It also comes complete with caster wheels and sturdy side handles to make moving the unit from room to room a little bit easier on you. Not all dehumidifiers for home come with this attention toward mobility in mind, so I was really glad to see that Frigidaire had included this convenience.

It’ll Be Like Living in a Different Room

The Frigidaire dehumidifier literally made my bedroom feel like a completely different room. We live in an area that really does tend to get muggy in the summers and that aggravates my respiratory system to a very high degree I can’t believe how simple it was to completely eliminate this problem with this dehumidifier in my corner. All I had to do was decide what humidity level I was most comfortable with as far as my bedroom goes, utilize the simple button control to convey this information to the unit, and enjoy the results.

When it came time to empty the water tank, I had a much easier time doing so than I previously thought I would. The tank is located right in front and includes a splash guard and carry handle to make transporting it to the sink or tub a snap. I also found it very helpful that the unit features an automated feature that not only shuts the unit off when the tank is close to being full, but alerted me to the fact that it needed my attention. I’m a busy gal, so I really appreciated being able to turn the device on and forget it for the most part.

Energy-Efficient Is Right!

At first I was skeptical as to Frigidaire’s claims that running this dehumidifier really wouldn’t affect my electric bill that much, but I’m happy to say that they were true to their word. I hardly even noticed the difference in what I had to pay. My husband and I have really been looking into ways to live greener, more environmentally-conscious lives as well, so I really feel like this is a guilt-free solution anyone would be able to get behind. In fact, the unit was so inexpensive and energy-conscious to run, I bought two more to run in each of my children’s rooms so they could enjoy the benefits as well.

My Respiratory System Is Still Thanking Me

The difference in the discomfort I experienced thanks to allergies and asthma is markedly reduced as well and really… nothing really does more than take the edge off as a rule. This includes my prescription medications. Who knew that all I really needed was to regulate my environment a bit more thoroughly! I haven’t been able to breathe this freely in years and I am honestly beginning to wonder what I did before I discovered this amazing machine. My days of waking up in the morning with my usual sinus headache and stuffy nose are long over with.

Best of all, my kids are breathing easier as well. My youngest who was especially prone to sinus infections, illness and sore throats almost never gets those anymore. I’m convinced that my placing a Frigidaire dehumidifier in his bedroom at night and during the day while he plays is responsible for that. Don’t believe me? Ask his pediatrician! Even he said that the microbial filter attached to this machine would greatly enhance the quality of the air he breathes and reduce his likelihood of getting sick significantly. He even complimented me for being such an attentive mother!

What I Loved About This Unit

• The ease of use in regards to emptying the water tank and moving the unit itself from room to room. I’m not a very muscular person, so I appreciated that.
• The precision with which the machine regulated the humidity level in the room.
• How quiet the device is to run. (I can run it all night even though I’m a very light sleeper.)
• How energy efficient it is. I have friends who purchased other dehumidifiers for home and had to pay significantly more in energy costs to run just one than I do to run several.

What Could Have Been Better

• I would personally have preferred a cord that was a bit longer than 6 feet, since we have a limited number of outlets in our home and not all of the locations where I would have liked to place a unit were near an existing outlet. However, this is easily fixed with an extension cord or two.
• The unit doesn’t remove the moisture from the air quite as quickly as other units that use more energy to get the job done. I suppose this is part of the trade-off that comes with cost-consciousness.
• It runs a little warmer than I’d like, which can be a problem on really hot summer days or in rooms that tend to heat up easily.

My Overall Assessment

Although this unit isn’t perfect, it really got the job done and got it done well. I especially thought it was an excellent value for the price and I was especially impressed that it doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg to operate a couple of these units in my home. Most importantly, it really works and it significantly improved the air quality of my home for myself and my children. If you have allergies or respiratory issues, then you don’t need to be told what a relief that is! I feel completely comfortable recommending it to anyone looking for reliable dehumidifiers for home.

Where Can You Buy the Frigidaire Dehumidifier?

You can buy this Frigidaire Dehumidifier from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Frigidaire Dehumidifier?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Introducing the Convection Oven of the Century

I’m pretty much your stereotypical college student, so that means I’m not exactly the world’s most dedicated home chef. However, I’m not the kind of guy who can live happily on nothing but ramen noodles and canned chili either. I needed an easy way to make a decent variety of different foods because of my jam-packed school and activity schedule, but I also needed something that didn’t take up too much space or consume a lot of energy either. When I told my mom all this and asked her for suggestions, she recommended I pick up a convection oven and I’m certainly glad she did.

After doing a little research as far as what’s out there, I finally decided on the Smart Oven from Breville. It seemed powerful, yet energy-efficient – easy to use, yet flexible as well. It even came complete with a variety of pans and other features that really sounded like they’d make cooking a snap. So far, I’ve been really happy with it overall. The following is my review of the product based on first-hand personal experience.

What Features Do You Get With This Product?

I’m like a lot of people these days. I don’t always have the time or the get-up-and-go to pound the pavement and travel from store to store in order to find what I want. However, I love to shop online. That said, I know how helpful it is to know beforehand what you can expect to get with a product right out of the box, especially when we’re talking items like kitchen appliances.

• A power level that’s 1800 watts strong.
• 5 high-quality quartz heating elements.
• Auto-eject wire rack and removable crumb tray for easy use and cleaning.
• 4/5 cubic foot non-stick interior.
• Fabulous Element IQ technology and 9 easy pre-set functions that allow you impeccable control over the cooking process.
• Fully compatible pizza pan, baking pan, and broil rack.
• 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
• Measurements: 18 ½ x 12 ½ x 10 ¾ inches.

Easier to Use Than I Expected Even in My Wildest Dreams

I’m the sort of person who could manage to burn cereal, so it was really important to me that the convection oven I chose be simple to operate. The 9 user-friendly pre-programmed settings and LCD display screen that came with the Breville were a big part of what really sold me on it and I definitely have to say I wasn’t disappointed.

There was a separate setting for pizza, toast, cookies, and more. There were even custom settings exclusively for reheating or warming food. Each one included its own pre-set cooking time and ideal temperature, meaning I didn’t have to do any guesswork whatsoever when it came to the foods I cook most. Everything came out perfectly, too! The pizzas in particular come out even better than they do in a conventional oven.

Element IQ Technology Doesn’t Disappoint

When I first read about the Breville Smart Oven’s big feature, the Element IQ heat control technology, I don’t think I had any clue how useful it would turn out to be. Like I said, I’m a college student, not a celebrity chef. I just wanted to be able to heat up a pizza or some leftover fried chicken now and again without a lot of hassle. However, it wasn’t long before I was pretty appreciative of all this oven can really do.

The Element IQ feature actually allows the Breville convection oven to distribute the heat amongst the five quartz heating elements in the most useful possible way according to what I’m cooking. If I adjust it to my liking, it even remembers my preference for the future. I’m convinced this is why this oven produces such delicious, evenly-cooked foods. I never thought I’d get results like that from a toaster oven… ever!

The Accessories Sure Weren’t Bad Either

I didn’t have a lot of extra cash on hand to buy a bunch of fancy pans or anything, so I was really relieved to see that the Breville Smart Oven came complete with everything I’d need to get cooking right away. It had its own 12×12-inch enameled baking pan and a 12×12-inch enamel broiling rack. It even had a 13-inch non-stick pizza pan. I didn’t have to waste time hunting around for cooking accessories that would fit the oven. I didn’t have to spend any extra money either, thank goodness. It was all included under the already very reasonable price of this oven. Plus, Breville offers a line of additional accessories on their website that you can pick up as well should you decide you’d like even more options. How can you beat that?

What I Loved About This Appliance

• The control settings made it really easy to use. Really, even the most gun-shy, skittish cook will be able to use the Breville with absolute confidence.
• The smart temperature control technology practically made me feel like a chef! No matter what I cook, my food always comes out evenly cooked and perfectly delicious. No dry, tasteless, burnt food here!
• It heats up really quickly as well, not like a conventional oven at all.
• The included baking pans. They were actually really terrific quality as well.
• The look of the appliance. It’s stainless steel, so it looks good in any kitchen, I would imagine. It added a really nice touch of flare to my little apartment kitchen and dressed it up quite a bit.

What I Didn’t Love As Much

• I would have liked it if the cord were just a wee bit longer so that I could have had more choice about where to place the unit in my apartment’s kitchen, but this was really a pretty minor complaint.
• I would have liked to see even a small interior light included with the unit.
• The outside of the oven gets really hot, so it’s important to have plenty of counter space in order to accommodate the unit and cook safely. I had to shift some things around in order to be able to cook safely, but I understand this would be the case with pretty much any toaster oven, so again… minor complaint.

My Overall Assessment

I have to admit that I didn’t really expect that much out of this oven at first. The last toaster oven I used was the dinosaur my grandmother uses to toast her bagels, so I was thoroughly prepared to have to deal with burnt spots, unevenly cooked food, and a lot of accidental mishaps. However, I didn’t have to put up with any of that from the Breville Smart Oven.

When I say it couldn’t possibly have been easier to operate, that’s exactly what I mean. Between the smart heating coils and the pre-programmed settings, it’s honestly next to impossible to screw up my food and it honestly hasn’t happened yet. Also, this is the type of appliance I can see fitting into any kitchen and any lifestyle, so I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a convection oven of their own.

Where Can You Buy the Breville BOV800XL Convection Toaster Oven?

You can buy this Breville BOV800XL Convection Toaster Oven from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Breville BOV800XL Convection Toaster Oven?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Children Change Your Life

When you have a child, baby gates become the main piece of furniture in your house. Oh sure, when you bring them home from the hospital, they are all cute and, well… noisy and demanding. BUT they stay where you put them. Once they learn to scooch or roll or crawl or (oh, darn) walk, it’s all over. You need baby gates. Lots of them. Everywhere. If you have a fireplace with a raised hearth, you are in deep trouble. Trust me on this. We have the stitches scar on my niece’s forehead to prove it.

What Are the Options?

My sister in law has a hearth around her fireplace. It’s gorgeous brick, raised up about a brick and a half from the floor. It matches the fireplace, which they never use, it is strictly decorative for them. They decided, after discovering that babies eventually get bored with staying where you put them and can, quite ingeniously, escape those bouncy seats and other contraptions, to protect their daughter from the sharp edges of the hearth…. with bumpers. They bought these foam-like bumper things that were supposed to connect to the brick with Velcro. They put them on, feeling very proud and superior at their foresight in this extra level of protection added to their arsenal of baby proofing equipment that included, but was not limited to, electrical outlet covers, baby gates for doorways, baby gates for stairs, cupboard locks for which you needed a special magnet key that kept getting lost, a monitor that allowed you to watch every breath your baby took when not in your presence, and some other expensive stuff.

Anyway, my sister in law Velcro’d the padding in place, a little smugly, I have to say. And smirked at me as her child crawled directly toward the new challenged. At first she just poked it. Then she bent over and rubbed her face on it. Then she experimentally bit it. That’s when it started to get ugly. Velcro is no match for a baby who wants to chew on something. Little Emma literally pulled a section of that padding off with her bare gums!!!! It was like Super Baby! She gnawed on it, despite my sis in law’s chorus of “no no no no!” and seemed to be enjoying it immensely.

It was promptly reapplied. It was again removed. Hoping there would be some kind of a short-term memory loss on Emma’s part, she was taken up for a nap where she undoubted dreamed of the lovely new toy around the hearth. Or kittens. Anyway, after her nap and her nasty mash of baby gruel and mashed carrots, she was again set loose. Guess where she went?

Yeah. She had it out for those hearth bumpers. She was chewing and pulling and laughing and my sister in law was “no no no” which made me laugh – probably a bad choice considering what came next. Between yanking the bumper off and turning to look at her mother, Emma tipped over. She hit her forehead on the bumperless portion of the hearth and the rest of the day was consumed with the emergency room.

The Better Choice

I felt guilty for laughing just before Emma took her tumble, so I did some research on safety for around hearths. Unsurprisingly, I discovered that gates are effective. We use so many gates when our kids are young, you’d think we’d go there first when considering safety equipment. One gate in particular from KidCo caught my eye. It was specifically designed to provide safety around fireplace hearths. Bingo.

Details

The Kidco Hearth Gate measures

• 6 x 27.5 x 31.8 inches and weighs just over 30 pounds
• Made to fit hearths that are a standard 6 feet wide and 2 feet deep
• Includes five 24 inch sections
• One section contains a gate with one-hand release for access to the fireplace.
• Extension sections for larger hearths may be purchased separately.
• Made of tubular steel

Other Uses

This gate can also be used to surround a grill, wood burning stove, or other areas that require a flexible gate solution. I suppose that’s why we never thought about a gate in the first place. Gates are straight. They are used for doorways or stairways for the most part. A gate that comes in sections for easy adaptation to multiple shapes and areas is a fantastic idea.

Research

The Kidco baby gate go 4.6 out of 5 stars and reviewers seemed to like it. I always check reviews before purchase so I can be sure that real people who have used an item actually liked it… or not. So I saw that out of 57 reviews, 43 were 5 star and 10 were 4 star. The few negative reviews had to do with the swivel hinge not working appropriately and even breaking on the portion of the gate that should open. Even though it was only 3 reviews, I was concerned so I visited the KidCo website. Their site clearly states, “KidCo will either repair, or at our option replace, free of charge, any parts necessary to correct defects in material or workmanship during the warranty period.  This warranty is complete and exclusive.” The warranty is good for one year and items in need of repair can be shipped to KidCo for repair after contacting customer service. Sounds good to me.

Guilty Gift

By the time I got over my freaking out over Emma and researching solutions and removing the Velcro from the fireplace hearth and finding this gate and ordering it and receiving it, Emma was getting her stitches out and I was installing the new Kidco baby gate. Sure, it was a little expensive, but WOW. This thing is great. It was easy to put up and there’s no way little Emma or any other kids can get through it. Sure, she could bump her head on the tubes, but the damage will be a bruise, not a cut.

When they got back from the doctor, the gate was up. I got hugs from my sister in law and Emma. Thank you, Kidco Hearth Gate, for keeping Emma safe from now on.

Where Can You Buy the KidCo Hearth Gate?

You can buy this KidCo Hearth Gate from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the KidCo Hearth Gate?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Fame?

My brother is a musician. He’s not bad, but he has ambition and drive. What he doesn’t have is money. And to really make a great recording you need studio time, which is super expensive. He is convinced that if he and his band can make a good enough recording, they can “break into” the business… whatever that means. For now, he and the guys are booking graduation parties and saving for that studio time. Studios cost between $30 and $150 an hour around here. And to record a song could take ten hours or so to get all the sound right. They’ve been pretty bummed because that is a lot of money to save up. Then I found him the Zoom H4n.

Research

I like to research. This may make me weird, but it’s true. I started looking for ways for my brother and his band to a get a professional sound without actually having to shell out thousands of dollars for studio time. I found that there are portable digital recorders out there that actually record with professional quality. Now, I’m no sucker. I know a sales pitch when I hear one, so I dug deeper. And deeper. And a little tiny bit deeper. And then I set my sights on the Zoom H4n.

Confusion and Features

First off, my brother didn’t believe that I had found anything. Secondly, I don’t really understand all the audio jargon used in the research. Here’s what I DO know. It has:

• Unique X/Y mic arrangement is on an axis that is equal from the sound source so it gets the stereo sound perfectly.
• Versatile condenser mics
• High resolution 24 bit/96-kHz linear PCM recording
• Uses SD and SDHC cards for secure storage
• Preamplified audio
• Phrase trainer with speed control playback
• Low cut filter and limiter
• Stamina mode for battery life extension to 11 hours
• Four channels
• Automatic recording setting
• Pre-record feature
• Audio edit without computer
• Versatile options for playback
• Broadcast ready with time stamp and track markers
• Monaural mix function for interviews
• Mid-side stereo decoder
• Four track MTR mode
• Musician friendly tools
• Large display
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed for fast file transfer
• Power from battery, AC adapter, or USB bus power
• All the accessories included

Admission

I have no clue what most of that means. Let me try to explain as best I can. I’ve done a little research J and found that basically the X/Y mic thing means that stereo recording sounds natural because both mics are equidistant from the source of the sound. The condenser mics allow users to set the recording area from 90° to 120° for narrow or wide-angle recording so whether you have two or ten band members, you can record them all. The SD thing is all about securing your music and saving it. Preamplifier makes the audio more precise. The phrase trainer is basically an adjustable payback speed that maintains pitch. The low-cut filter keeps out background noise. Stamina mode increases battery life for continuous recording for extended periods of time. How am I doing so far?

Okay, the four channels give more depth and clarity to the sound. The automatic recording is an option to autorecord whenever the sound is above a designated level. This minimizes blank sections. Pre-record can be set to record the most recent two seconds of audio in the memory. Audio editing without a computer can be done right on the H4n. Playback has several features including the ability to zoom in on a specific section of the recording. Time stamping and track markers are for broadcasting. Monaural mix is for recording interviews. Mid-side stereo decoder does something that converts channels and I don’t understand it so maybe you can figure it out or ask my brother.

The MTR mode allows 2 track recording and 4 track playback which must make sense somewhere in the universe. The musician friendly tools explain thoroughly why I am not a musician and don’t understand this in the least.  A large display would seem self-explanatory, wouldn’t it? And faster file transfer is what digital life is all about. Multiple power sources mean you never have to quit because the batteries died, so that excuse is out. And accessories….

Accessories

• Zoom H4n digital voice recorder
• 1GB SD Memory Card
• Wind Screen
• Mic Clip Adaptor
• AC Adaptor
• USB Cable
• Protective Case

Specifications

Okay, I hope that word made you laugh, because after trying to list the features, there’s no way I can even think of listing things like WAV Quantization: 16/24 bit without falling off my chair laughing. If you speak tech and want to know, because there are a gazillion specs for each mode (stereo, 4CH, MTR, STAMINA, Common) go to the Zoom website and read. The font is set at about a 2.3 so it all fits on one page. Go ahead. I dare you.

Different Research

As much as I like to research, I also like to find out what real people who have used a product think of it. The Zoom H4n rates 4.5 out of 5 stars, which is really good. And I’m assuming these people are probably, y’know, musicians and stuff so they know what it’s all about. One reviewer did a video comparison of a few different combinations of recording equipment. It is pretty amazing. The H4n makes the audio sound gorgeous and really captures the sound well. That’s kind of the consensus among the “yay” reviews. The “ew” reviews were more of the “I don’t know what’s going on and I’m not sure how to use tech support” variety.

Oh, Brother

I pushed up my glasses, gathered my research, and took it to my brother and his band. After the requisite eye rolling, they actually looked at the information I had and listened to what I was saying. They even understood some of the technical stuff and graphs and charts. When they saw that the price was really reasonable, they were hooked. It was a small investment to try it out.

We’ll See

The guys got their Zoom H4n digital voice recorder today. They haven’t stopped playing with it for the past 4 hours, which is awesome because I can watch what I want to on TV and not have to fight my brother for the remote. The sounds from the garage are pretty exciting. Voices yelling, singing, high-fives. Maybe I should go see if they need me to play tambourine.

Where Can You Buy the Zoom H4n?

You can buy this Zoom H4n from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Zoom H4n?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

I Hate to Clean

The Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum with Canister, Bagged, UH30010COM might just make me like cleaning. That’s right. I admit it. I hate to clean. I suspect I’m not alone in this. But just in case the rest of the world LOVES to vacuum, I confess. My name is D and I hate to clean *pauses for the required “Hi, D” response*. I have a feeling it might be related to my vacuum cleaner. When I bought it, it was as top of the line machine with a few nice little tools and seemingly everything I would need to make cleaning fun. Wait. You DO read sarcasm, don’t you? Well, the machine is fine, but a pain in the patootie. Dragging that thing up and down stairs; trying to hold it up to vacuum above doorways and window treatments (I don’t do it often, but when the house starts to look haunted, I have no choice); and doing the stairs? Are you kidding me? Now, I will miss the various electrical tape “decorations” along the cord, but I think it’s time for a new cleaner. I began to scour the vacuum cleaner reviews. And I’m thinking the Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum with Canister, Bagged, UH30010COM.

Clearly, a Woman was Involved in the Design

Let’s face it. Vacuuming is mostly done by women, though I am incredibly lucky to have a husband who doesn’t mind doing it. But let’s just consider the fact that women are the ones who use the machine the most. When I looked at this Hoover vacuum, I was convinced. The features are incredible. I think that if I could, I would marry this machine. I watched the embedded video three times to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. This vacuum is a beautiful thing. And I am lusting after it. Or maybe I just want it really, really badly.

Incredible Features

I should explain why I am so enamored of this Hoover vacuum. It has all the right stuff to make cleaning easy. Seriously. Here, let me show you:

• It weighs less than 12 lbs. so it can be carried easily.
• WindTunnel technology digs out dirt embedded in the carpet and reduces blowback and scatter so you don’t have to go over the same spot over and over and over again.
• Intuitive Power Controls located right where you need them… at your fingertips so you can change speeds quickly and easily.
• Easy-Change Bag made with HEPA media. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate absorbing. This means less dust and microscopic particulates are released into the air while vacuuming. This is especially useful in houses with people with allergies. (not to mention people who hate to change vacuum bags)
• The Self-Sealing Bag puts an end to those annoying puffs of dust and dirt that inevitably end up in the air when changing a bag.
• A Bag Check Indicator lets you know when the bag is getting full… you know, instead of when you smell that funky smell.
• Extra-long 35 foot power cord. Goodbye, plugging in behind that armoir.
• No scuff bumper. Do you have any idea how many scuffs I have on my molding and around the edges of my furniture? Me neither. I’m afraid to count.
• Edge Cleaning Channels that actually have bristles and suction that clean to the edge of the vacuum. No more pulling out that pointy tool to go around the edge of the room a second time. (yeah, I do that once a year or so because… well, it’s a pain)
• Auto Height Adjustment. I love this. That ridiculous indicator on my old model has little lines indicating the height of the carpet or the bare floor and I have to get down there and slide it around to figure out where it should be. It’s about time someone figured out how to get the machine to do it for me!
• 6 year warranty. Seriously. SIX years.
• The Hoover Platinum Collection Portable Canister reminds me of those Ghostbuster vacuums but it doesn’t have the double back strap – it’s more of a sling strap.
• The portable unit has a 25 foot power cord.
• It also has the easy change bag with HEPA filter to trap 99.97% of dust and pollens.
• The Portable Canister has 4 onboard tools. The 12 inch extension wand, crevice tool, upholstery brush, and hard floor tool.

See What I Mean?

Okay, so it doesn’t come with a robotic maid to actually run it, but the features are amazing. This has to make my work much easier. Just the portable unit for fast spill cleanup, bathroom floor vacuuming, or just doing the stairs seems incredible. I’m getting a little closer to clicking “add to cart” just writing this.

Tech Specs

This is probably the part the guys want to read. Stereotypical? Yes. True? Possibly.

• 12 amp motor
• Direct air-flow technology plus Windtunnel technology
• Illuminated fingertip controls
• 2 speeds
• Self-sealing HEPA bag
• Check bag indicator
• Canister vacuum, bare floor brush, dusting brush, crevice tool, and telescoping wand (no, not like Harry Potter, but I’m hoping for a cleaning magic wand in the next version)
• 15.5 x 13 x 38.2 inches
• Average customer review 4.5 out of 5 stars in 467 reviews

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Obviously, I had to read the reviews. A site selling a product will say ANYTHING to sell. But people who actually buy and use the product are much more objective. Here’s what I found out…

The Good:

• This vacuum has everything I need to make house cleaning easier.
• The accessories and portable vac will make this an all-purpose tool for the entire house. I will no longer need my upright, canister, handheld, and electric broom. (yes, I REALLY own and use all of those now)
• The reviews are amazing. They praise maneuverability, LED headlight, lifetime belt (yay!), and a stair cleaning handle.

The Bad:

• Brush roll raises but doesn’t stop on uncarpeted surfaces. Not sure I want to take the chance on scratching the hardwood floors.
• Expensive ($5 bags) bags – but they are big and self-sealing, so I suppose this is why they cost more.
• Some users had issues with the check bag light circuit.

The Ugly:

• Users reported some difficulty with dealing with Hoover customer service response when issues arose.

Bottom Line

338 out of 467 reviewers gave this 5 stars. It has an average of 4.5 out of 5 star reviews. The Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum with Canister, Bagged, UH30010COM seems to me like it’s worth a try….

Where Can You Buy the Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum with Canister, Bagged, UH30010COM?

You can buy this Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Ear Buds Are Not Headphones

It seems like every mp3 player on the market comes with a complimentary pair of “headphones”. I use quotation marks because, as far as I can see, these are just tiny little semicircles that you stuff into your ears. The sound is poor and those little things won’t stay in your ears unless you sit perfectly still. At first, I thought the kids were wearing them in one ear because of some kind of style, but then I realized it was just because the other one fell out. Bottom line? Ear buds are not headphones and they can never give you the same kind of musical experience.

Forget the Ear Buds

You can toss those ear buds right in the trash. I tried to use mine while I was cleaning. Picture this: I’m cleaning the fish tank. I’m wearing my ear buds so I don’t distract my husband while he’s working. I scoop out Nero (the orange one with stripes) and one ear bud falls into the net with him. I lean over the tank, looking for Fiddler, and the other ear bud falls into the dirty water. Not only do I not want to put them in my ears because they’re dirty, the sound quality was terrible anyway. No more ear buds for me. It’s headphones only. That’s when I started looking for headphone reviews.

The Grado Prestige Series SR225i: The Best Headphones on the Market

I know it’s a strong statement. But the Grado Prestige Series SR225i headphones have amazing quality at a reasonable cost. These headphones are a huge improvement over the last model (the SR125i):

• New drivers that are more closely matched
• 50% increased airflow
• New housing design
• Larger ear cushions
• Improved rear metal screen

Right about now you’re wondering what those things can do for you. Well, the new drivers are more closely matched and this means that the sounds coming through the headphones are more defined. The airflow increase is related to the metal screen improvements and the closer driver tolerances. This makes the sound “bigger”, as though listening in a sound staqe. The new housing design, aside from being aesthetically pleasing, works to diminish sound distortion and increase comfort. The larger ear cushions are extremely comfortable and also push the further away from the ear – maximizing the sound stage effect. The improved metal screen protects your music from any distortions.

The Basics

So, after long hours online searching for the best headphones, reading headphone reviews, and trying to figure out what all the features actually meant, I was ready to buy. It was obvious the Grado headphones were the ones that would best meet my needs for quality and price. I couldn’t wait to place my order.

Perfectly Clean

If I was going to use these headphones, I was going to have to be able to really use them. When they arrived, it was about time to clean the fish tank again. I was nervous, but everything I read indicated that this would work. I donned my Grado Prestige Series SR225i headphones and went straight for Fiddler, who was trying to blend in with the fake treasure chest. No problem For either of us. My headphones kept playing Lady Gaga and Fiddler was in his temporary home. Then, I went for Nero. It was dicey for a while, and I bumped the corner of the tank on my headphones, but they didn’t budge and Lady Gaga advised me to keep my Poker Face. Nero was caught, my music was uninterrupted, and everyone ended up happy in the end. Clean tank, clean headphones, and amazingly clean sounding music.

Not Just Sound

Besides the great sound and the security of knowing the headphones were staying on my head, I found that the headphones were incredibly comfortable. The larger ear cushions fit beautifully and felt very comfortable. They did not gap nor put uncomfortable pressure in any areas.

Grado Labs

Grado Labs, the company that manufactures these headphones, claims that the “i” in the model stands for “improved”. I’m pretty sure it’s for “impressive”. Anyway, their website boasts that these headphones are listed as a Best Buy and is recommended by Hi-Fi Choice magazine, which seems to be a big deal. Personally, I prefer to read Interview magazine, but what do I know?

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 1.3 x 1 x 0.2 inches; 13.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I’d be lying if I said I loved everything about these headphones. And I’m a terrible liar, so you’d know right away. That’s why I’m going to sum up the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good

• The sound quality is awesome. It sounds like you’re in a theater with really great sound specs.
• Works with my son’s digital piano so I don’t have to hear the music at full volume until it has been practiced to perfection.
• Music sounds “full”. You can hear instruments, parts of songs, and vocals that you may have never noticed before.

The Bad

• I’m betting you already know this one: the price. While you can buy headphones for two or three times more than this, these are still a far cry from a new pair of ear buds.
• These are open air headphones, so people around you CAN hear what you are listening to. (I found this out listening to a steamy audiobook on the bus).
• If you are an audiophile, you may be disappointed. To an average listener, they are great. To someone who isn’t dying to play with the equalizer to get the perfect bass, treble, and whatever, these are great. If you want perfection, better shop for something higher end.

The Ugly

• Face it. Ear buds are nearly invisible. Headphones are big and clunky, no matter how small they are. For headphones, they look good. But they are still headphones.

Bottom Line

These are good quality headphones that are a giant step above ear buds. They can be used with digital pianos, mp3 players, or stereos. If you are looking for decent quality for a moderate price, try the Grado SR225i headphones.

Where Can You Buy the Grado Prestige Series SR225i Headphones?

You can buy this Grado Prestige Series SR225i Headphones from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Grado Prestige Series SR225i Headphones?

The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.